Transformation of marginal zone lymphoma into high-grade B-cell lymphoma expressing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase:A case report

BACKGROUND High-grade B-cell lymphoma(HGBL)is an unusual malignancy that includes myelocytomatosis viral oncogene(MYC),B-cell lymphoma-2(BCL-2),and/or BCL-6 rearrangements,termed double-hit or triple-hit lymphomas,and HGBL-not otherwise specific(HGBL-NOS),which are morphologically characteristic of HGBL but lack MYC,BCL-2,or BCL-6 rearrangements.HGBL is partially transformed by follicular lymphoma and other indolent lymphoma,with few cases of marginal zone lymphoma(MZL)transformation.HGBL often has a poor prognosis and intensive therapy is currently mainly advocated,but there is no good treatment for these patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY We reported a case of MZL transformed into HGBL-NOS with TP53 mutation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression.Gene analysis revealed the gene expression profile was identical in the pre-and post-transformed tissues,suggesting that the two diseases are homologous,not secondary tumors.The chemotherapy was ineffective and the side effect was severe,so we tried combination therapy including venetoclax and obinutuzumab.The patient tolerated treatment well,and reached partial response.The patient had recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and died of multifunctional organ failure.He survived for 12 months after diagnosis.CONCLUSION Venetoclax combined with obinutuzumab might improve the survival in some HGBL patients,who are unsuitable for chemotherapy.

Case Report: Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase II (CPT II) Deficiency

Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase II (CPTII) is a very important enzyme that helps with the oxidation of long-chain fatty acid to produce energy. Deficiency in CPTII will lead to energy deficiency in the case of fasting and the accumulation of the long chain fatty in the body. There are three types of CPT II deficiency, the myopathic form, the severe infantile hepatocardiomuscular form and the lethal neonatal form. They are all inherited as an autosomal recessive. Diagnosis of the CPTII are 1) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in adult form and 2) CPTII polymorphism (F352C), which is linked to reducing the activity of CPTII in infantile form [1]. Glucose is the primary management and medium-chain fatty acid is an alternative due to the bypass of the CPTII enzyme in the pathway. For the prevention of CPTII deficiency are to avoid long chain fatty acid (C12-fatty acid), fasting, prolonged exercise, known triggers, and certain medications such as anti-epileptics and general anesthesia. During the rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria attack, it is very important to maintain hydration to avoid acute renal failure. If, however, renal failure occurs, dialysis is recommended. We present a case of a 27-year-old African American woman with the significant past medical history of CPT II deficiency leading to recurrent rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria. Together with all the research studies from diagnosis to treatment of CPTII deficiency will help in clinical management of patients. And this case report will add to the existing case reports of patients who have CPTII deficiency in terms of how we diagnose, how we treat, and how we prevent symptoms from re-occurring.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology,cognition,and behavior in APP/PS1 mice

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease,gamma-glutamyl transferase 5(GGT5)expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.However,the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,as well as the underlying mechanism.We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease(Aβ_(1-42)-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells),as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model.Additionally,injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits.Interestingly,increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-βin the brains of APP/PS1 mice.This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression ofβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B.Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

Pharmacogenetics of azathioprine in inflammatory bowel disease: A role for glutathione-S-transferase?

Azathioprine is a purine antimetabolite drug commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).In vivo it is active after reaction with reduced glutathione(GSH)and conversion to mercaptopurine.Although this reaction may occur spontaneously,the presence of isoforms M and A of the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase(GST)may increase its speed.Indeed,in pediatric patients with IBD,deletion of GST-M1,which determines reduced enzymatic activity,was recently associated with reduced sensitivity to azathioprine and reduced production of azathioprine active metabolites.In addition to increase the activation of azathioprine to mercaptopurine,GSTs may contribute to azathioprine effects even by modulating GSH consumption,oxidative stress and apoptosis.Therefore,genetic polymorphisms in genes for GSTs may be useful to predict response to azathioprine even if more in vitro and clinical validation studies are needed.reserved.

Expression of thymidylate synthase and glutathione-stransferase π in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the expression of thymidylate synthase(TS)and glutathione-s-transferaseπ(GST-π) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their association with the clinicopathologic characteristics. METHODS:Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of TS and GST-πin surgically resected formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)tissue sections from 102 patients(median age,58 years)and in 28 normal esophageal mucosa(NEM)samples.The relationship between TS and GST-πexpression and clinicopathologic factors was examined. RESULTS:The expression of TS and GST-πwas not statistically significantly associated with age of the patients,tumor size,lymph node metastasis,depth of invasion or tumor stage.TS staining was positive in 17.86%of normal esophageal mucosa and in 42.16% of ESCC samples(P<0.05).The expression level of TSwas not only significantly lower in well-differentiated (21.88%)than in poorly-differentiated carcinomas (51.43%,P<0.05),but was also significantly higher in samples from male patients(46.51%)than from female patients(18.75%,P<0.05).GST-πwas positively stained in 78.57%of normal esophageal mucosa and in 53.92%of ESCC samples(P<0.05).The expression level of GST-πwas also significantly higher in welldifferentiated carcinomas(65.63%)than in poorlydifferentiated carcinomas(35.00%,P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The expression of TS and of GST-πmay be used as molecular markers for the characterization of ESCC.Poorly-differentiated cells showed increased expression of TS and reduced expression of GST-π.

Glutathione-S-transferase M1 polymorphisms on the susceptibility to esophageal cancer among three Chinese minorities:Kazakh,Tajik and Uygur

AIM: To investigate the glutathione-S-transferase Ml (GSTM1) polymorphisms in three Chinese minorities, Kazakh, Uygur, and Tajik; and the pathological significance of GSTM1 polymorphisms in esophageal carcinogenesis in Kazakh. METHODS: A total of 1121 blood samples (442 males and 679 females) were obtained from healthy Kazakh (654), Uygur (412) and Tajik (55). Primary esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) tissues from Kazakh were obtained from 116 patients who underwent surgery. GSTM1 polymorphisms were analyzed by a combined approach of PCR and electrophoresis techniques. RESULTS: GSTM1 null genotype was found in 62.63% Uygur, 50.91% Tajik and 47.40% Kazakh. A significantly higher frequency of GSTM1 null genotype in Uygur was observed compared with Kazakh (OR: 1.859, 95% CI: 1.445 -2.391, X2 = 23.71, P = 0.000). In addition, GSTM1 null genotype was found in 23.53% of well-differentiated ESCC in Kazakh, in 49.23% of poorly differentiated ESCC, with a significant difference (OR: 3.152, 95% CI: 1.403-7.080, X2 = 8.018, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: There is a marked difference in the frequency of common GSTM1 null genotype between Uygur and Kazakh. GSTM1 null genotype is associated with differentiation of ESCC in Kazakh.

β-catenin accumulation in nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma cells up-regulates glutathione-s-transferase M3 mRNA

AIM: To identify the differentially over-expressed genes associated with β-catenin accumulation in nuclei of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes were identified in radiation-induced B6C3 F1 mouse HCC cells by mRNA differential display, Northern blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Total glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activity was measured by GST activity assay and β-catenin localization was detected with immunostaining in radiation-induced mouse HCC cells and in HepG2 cell lines.RESULTS: Two up-regulated genes, glutamine synthetase and glutathione-s-transferase M3 (GSTM3), were identified in radiation-induced mouse HCC cells. Influence of β-catenin accumulation in nuclei of HCC cells on upregulation of GSTM3 mRNA was investigated. The nearby upstream domain of GSTM3 contained the β-catenin/TcfLef consensus binding site sequences [5'-(A/T)(A/T) CAAAG-3'], and the total GST activity ratio was considerably higher in B6C3F1 mouse HCC cells with β-catenin accumulation in nuclei of HCC cells than in those without β-catenin accumulation (0.353 ± 0.117vs 0.071 ± 0.064, P < 0.001). The TWS119 (a distinct GSK-3β inhibitor)-induced total GST activity was significantly higher in HepG2 cells with β-catenin accumulation than in those without β-catenin accumulation in nuclei of HCC cells. Additionally, the GSTM3 mRNA level was significantly higher at 24 h than at 12 h in TWS119-treated HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: β-catenin accumulation increases GST activity in nuclei of HCC cells, and GSTM3 may be a novel target gene of the β-catenin/Tcf-Lef complex.

Evaluation of Glutathione-S-transferase and ceruloplasmin levels in gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissue as diagnostic markers for chronic periodontitis

Periodontitis, is an infectious ailment of multifactorial origin, that brings about destruction of bone and surrounding tissues. There are various oral pathogens that may be responsible for the destruction. The host encounters these microbial invasions and their products by the production and release of inflammatory mediators from the cells within the body. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) are a group of enzymes that utilize glutathione in conditions resulting in oxidative stress. These enzymes play a key role in the detoxifycation of such substance. It aids in preventing damage to important cellular components caused by release of free reactive oxygen species. Ceruloplasmin is a ferroxidase enzyme. It plays a role as an anti-inflammatory agent, by its ability to scavenge free radicals within the body. The present study was targeted at evaluating the levels of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) and Ceruloplasmin as diagnostic markers for patients with chronic periodontitis in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the gingival tissues. Thirty patients were divided into two groups. Experimental group comprising of 15 subjects with chronic perio- dontitis and the control group was composed of 15 healthy individuals. Highly significant changes in GST between the diseased and normal patients (P = 0.001) were detected. There was a decrease in GST level in both gingival tissue & GCF in diseased patients when compared to the control patients. The ceruloplasmin levels in GCF and gingival tissues showed no difference between the control and diseased group. Hence,these results indicate a relationship suggesting that GST produced during chronic inflammation could be used as biomarker that indicate periodontal disease .

Prognostic Significance of Comparison of Clinical Indicators with Manifestations of Genetic Polymorphism of Glutathione-S-Transferases in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The article presented the results of comparison of polymorphic variants of the genes GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and clinical manifestations of non-small cell lung carcinoma. The association of the genotype GSTT1 (del) with the risk of developing squamous cell lung cancer has been revealed (OR = 2.54 CI: 1.13 - 5.72, p = 0.035). Analysis of patient survival rate (n = 173) in groups of various histological types of lung cancer showed that in the group of squamous cell lung cancer (n = 91) in patients with genotype GSTT1 (del), the survival rate median was significantly higher—84 months (95% CI 12.4 - 155.7) than in patients with the genotype GSTT1 (+)—36 months (95% CI 25.2 - 46.8, p = 0.045). In contrast, in the adenocarcinoma group (n = 82), the survival rate median in patients with the genotype GSTT1 (del) was 19 months. (95% CI 6.2 - 33.5), and in patients with genotype GSTT1 (+)—67 months (95% CI 50.1 - 84.0), which is the basis for continuing this comparison in an additional group of testees, as the sampling did not achieve the reliability of p = 0.12. Hypothetically, these differences may be due to differences in the gender composition of squamous cell lung cancer and adenocarcinoma and the involvement of GST enzymes in the metabolism of estrogens in adenocarcinoma in women and other hormonal background and reactivity of the male body with squamous cell carcinoma. Further research and subsequent analysis of the results will be aimed at confirming this hypothesis.

Glutathione-S-transferase (GSTM1,GSTT1) and the risk of gastrointestinal cancer in a Korean population

AIM: To evaluate the association of glutathione S-transferase mu (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase theta (GSTT1) null genotypes with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) in a South Korean population.METHODS: We conducted a population-based, largescale case-control study including 2213 GCs, 1829 CRCs, and 1699 controls. Null and non-null genotypesof GSTM1 and GSTT1 were determined using realtime PCR.RESULTS: The null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were not signifi cantly associated with elevated risk of gastric (OR = 1.070, 95% CI = 0.935-1.224; OR = 1.101, 95% CI = 0.963-1.259, respectively) or colorec-tal cancer (OR = 1.065, 95% CI = 0.923-1.228; OR = 1.041, 95% CI = 0.903-1.200, respectively). The frequency of the combined null GST genotype was not different between the two cancer groups and controls. Moreover, smoking, drinking, and age did not modify the association between these genotypes and the risk of gastric or colorectal cancer.CONCLUSION: GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were not associated with increased risk of GC or CRC in Koreans.

Immunoprophylactic potential of filarial glutathione-s-transferase in lymphatic filariaisis

Objective:To elucidates the immunoprophylactic potential of glutathion-s-transferase(GST) from cattle filarial parasite Setaria digitata(S.digitata) against lymphatic filariasis.Methods: GST was purified through affinity chromatography(SdGST) and chacterized by SDS-PAGE and Nano-LC MS/MS analysis.Antibody isotypes to SdGST were measured by ELISA.Antibody dependant cellular cytotoxicity(ADCC) was performed in vitro using sera from immunized animals and immune individuals.T-cell proliferation and cytokine response to SdGST in different groups of filariasis were measured.Immunoprophylactic potential of SdGST was evaluate in animal model.Results:SdGST exhibited 30-fold enhancement of enzyme activity over crude parasitic extract.It was found to be 26 kDa by SDS-PAGE.Nano LC-MS/MS analysis followed by blast search showed 100%homology with Dirqfilaria immitis(D.immitis) and only 43%with Homo sapiens(H.sapiens).Immunoblotting analysis showed putatively immune individuals carry significant level of antibodies to SdGST as compared with microfilaraemics.Immunized sera and sera endemic normal could neutralize the enzymatic activity of SdGST and inducing in vitro cytotoxicity of microfilariae.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) from endemic normals upon stimulation with SdGST showed a mixed type of Th1/Th2 response.SdGST immunization clear microfilariae from circulation in S.digitata implanted mastomys.Conclusions:The heterologous GST could be potentially developed as a vaccine candidate against lymphatic filarial parasite.

Modification of the Genetic Polymorphism of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in Motorcycle Drivers Exposed to BTEX in Cotonou

The glutathione-S-transferase genes mainly the GSTM1 and GSTT1 alleles are responsible for the synthesis of detoxication enzymes that can remove toxic substances. The objective of this study is to seek changes in the genetic polymorphism of glutathione-S-transferase GSTM1 and GSTT1 in motorcycle drivers exposed to BTEX. Our study group consists of 60 motorcycle drivers including 30 professional and 30 non-professional. Blood samples were preleveled from the study population in the EDTA tubes and DNA was extracted by the phenol/chloroform method. The PCR technique was used to determine the presence or absence of genes. Our results showed that the percentage of GSTM1 null genotype has a statistically significant difference (P = 0.02), while the percentage of GSTT1 null genotype was non-significant (P = 0.76) between the two groups. The percentage of deletion of both genes is higher in professional than non-professional motorcycle drivers. Air pollution in Cotonou by BTEX seems to influence the deletion of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes at a higher percentage among professional than non-professional motorcycle drivers.

Evaluation of trabecular meshwork-specific promoters in vitro and in vivo using scAAV2 vectors expressing C3 transferase

AIM:To evaluate the potential of two trabecular meshwork(TM)-specific promoters,Chitinase 3-like 1(Ch3L1)and matrix gla protein(MGP),for improving specificity and safety in glaucoma gene therapy based on self-complementary AAV2(scAAV2)vector technologies.METHODS:An scAAV2 vector with C3 transferase(C3)as the reporter gene(scAAV2-C3)was selected.The scAAV2-C3 vectors were driven by Ch3L1(scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3),MGP(scAAV2-MGP-C3),enhanced MGP(scAAV2-eMGP-C3)and cytomegalovirus(scAAV2-CMV-C3),respectively.The cultured primary human TM cells were treated with each vector at different multiplicities of infections.Changes in cell morphology were observed by phase contrast microscopy.Actin stress fibers and Rho GTPases/Rho-associated protein kinase pathway-related molecules were assessed by immunofluorescence staining,real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Each vector was injected intracamerally into the one eye of each rat at low and high doses respectively.In vivo green fluorescence was visualized by a Micron III Retinal Imaging Microscope.Intraocular pressure(IOP)was monitored using a rebound tonometer.Ocular responses were evaluated by slit-lamp microscopy.Ocular histopathology analysis was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.RESULTS:In TM cell culture studies,the vectormediated C3 expression induced morphologic changes,disruption of actin cytoskeleton and reduction of fibronectin expression in TM cells by inhibiting the Rho GTPases/Rhoassociated protein kinase signaling pathway.At the same dose,these changes were significant in TM cells treated with scAAV2-CMV-C3 or scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3,but not in cells treated with scAAV2-eMGP-C3 or scAAV2-MGP-C3.At lowinjected dose,the IOP was significantly decreased in the scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3-injected eyes but not in scAAV2-MGPC3-injected and scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes.At highinjected dose,significant IOP reduction was observed in the scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes but not in scAAV2-MGP-C3-injected eyes.Similar to scAAV2-CMV-C3,scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3 vector showed efficient transduction both in the TM and corneal endothelium.In anterior segment tissues of scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes,no obvious morphological changes were found except for the TM.Inflammation was absent.CONCLUSION:In scAAV2-transduced TM cells,the promoter-driven efficiency of Ch3L1 is close to that of cytomegalovirus,but obviously higher than that of MGP.In the anterior chamber of rat eye,the transgene expression pattern of scAAV2 vector is presumably affected by MGP promoter,but not by Ch3L1 promoter.These findings would provide a useful reference for improvement of specificity and safety in glaucoma gene therapy using scAAV2 vector.

Glutathione S-transferases M1,T1 genotypes and the risk of gastric cancer:A case-control study

AIM Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs are involved in the detoxification of many potential carcinogens and appear to play a critical role in the protection from the effects of carcinogens. The contribution of glutathione Stransferases M1 and T1 genotypes to susceptibility to the risk of gastric cancer and their interaction with cigarette smoking are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any relationship between genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and gastric cancer.METHODS A population based case - control study was carried out in a high-risk area, Changle County, Fujian Province, China. The epidemiological data were collected by a standard questionnaire and blood samples were obtained from 95 incidence gastric cancer cases and 94 healthy controls. A polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA. Logistic regression model was employed in the data analysis.RESULTS An increase in risk for gastric cancer was found among carriers of GSTM1 null genotype. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 2.63 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.17-5.88], after controlling for age,gender, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and fish sauce intake. The frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases (43.16%) was not significantly different from that in controls (50.00%). However, the risk for gastric cancer in those with GSTM1 null and GSTT1 nonnull genotype was significantly higher than in those with both GSTM1 and GSTT1 non-null genotype (OR = 2.77,95% Cl 1.15- 6.77). Compared with those subjects who never smoked and had normal GSTM1 genotype, Ors were 1.60 (95% CI: 0.62- 4.19) for never smokers with GSTM1 null type, 2.33 (95% CI 0.88- 6.28) for smokers with normal GSTM1, and 8.06 (95% CI 2.83- 23.67) for smokers with GSTM1 null type.CONCLUSIONS GSTM1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with genetic susceptibility of stomach cancer and may modulate tobacco-related carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.

Expression and alterations of different molecular form γ-glutamyl transferase and total RNA concentration during the carcinogenesis of rat hepatoma

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Association of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase with treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis B patients

AIM:To investigate the association of serum gammaglutamyl transferase(GGT) levels with chronic hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag) seroconversion.METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on clinical data collected from patients who had been positive for hepatitis B surface antigen for > 6 mo and who were antiviral-treatment na?ve(n = 215) attending the Hepatitis Clinic at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between August 2010 and December 2013. Healthy individuals without liver disease(n = 83) were included as controls. Patients were categorized into four groups based on disease status as recommended by the European Association for the Study of the Liver:immune tolerance(IT; n = 47),HBe Ag-positive hepatitis(EPH; n = 93),HBe Ag-negative hepatitis(ENH;n = 20),and inactive carrier(IC; n = 55). Prediction of complete response(CR) based on serum GGT was also examined in EPH patients(n = 33) treated for 48 wk with nucleos(t)ide analogue(NA) therapy,including lamivudine plus adefovir combination therapy(n = 20) or entecavir monotherapy(n = 13). CR was defined as a serum hepatitis B virus DNA level < 500 copies/m L and HBe Ag seroconversion by 48 wk of treatment. RESULTS:Serum GGT levels were significantly increased in EPH and ENH patients relative to the IT,IC,and healthy control groups(P < 0.01 for all). However,no significant difference in serum GGT levels was found between the EPH and ENH groups. Baseline serum GGT levels were significantly higher in patients who achieved CR(7/33; 21.2%) compared to patients in the non-CR group(26/33; 78.8%; P = 0.011). In addition,the decline in serum GGT was greater in CR patients compared to non-CR patients after 24 wk and 48 wk of treatment(P = 0.012 and P = 0.008,respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve yielded a sensitivity of 85.71% and a specificity of 61.54% at a threshold value of 0.89 times the upper limit of normal for baseline serum GGT in the prediction of CR following NA therapy. CONCLUSION:Serum GGT is significantly elevated in EPH and ENH patients and is a potential biomarker for the prediction of HBe Ag seroconversion following NA therapy.

STUDY OF THE DELETION MUTATION OF GLUTATHIONE S TRANSFERASE M1 GENE AND ITS ROLE IN SUSCEPTIBILITYTO HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Objection: To investigate the glutathione S transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene inherent deletion and its relation to prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Guangxi, China. Methods: The GSTM1 gene polymorphism of 120 HCC patients and 100 healthy subjects both from the same high aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated area were detected using PCR technique with special primers. Another 40 patients from AFB1 low risk area were also tested. Results: In HCC high risk area, it was found that the frequencies of GSTM1 null genotype in HCC patients and healthy subjects were 59% and 51% respectively, with no significant difference. However, the frequency of GSTM1-null genotype in control group from AFB1 low risk area was lower than those from high risk area (P<0.01). Conclusion: Populations in this HCC endemic region show a higher rate of GSTM1-null genotype, which may be partially responsible for the susceptibility to AFB1 induced HCC. But the detoxification effect of GSTM1 alone is not sufficient to resist the genetic toxicity of AFB1, especially in those people who expose to excess AFB1. The GSTM1 gene deletion would not be suitable as an independent predictor of susceptibility to HCC.

Purification and characterization of rat testicular glutathione S-transferases:role in the synthesis of eicosanoids

Aim: Purification of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) from rat testis; separation and identificationunits and their role in eicosanoid biosynthesis. Methods: Purification of mt testicular GSTs by affit?phy, employing S-hexylglutathione-linked epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B column and separation of indiby reverse phase-high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Characterization of affinity purified,um dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Westem blot analysis. The roGSTs in eicosanoid biosynthesis was determined by incubating GSTs with 5, 6-Leukotriene A_4Me (prostaglandin H_2 (PGH_2) and analyzing the products formed on HPLC/TLC. Results: The present stumajority of rat testicular GSTs are of Y_b size (60%) with molecular weight of 27 kDa. The most preunits, however, are GST Y_(n2) (27% ), followed by GST Y_c (24% ) and GST Y_(nl) (20%). These testiculavery high Leukotriene C_4 (LTC_4) synthase activity with 5, 6-Leukotriene A4Me (LTA_4Me) as theprostaglandin D (PGD) synthase activity with prostaglandin H_2 (PGH_2) as the substrate. Conclusion:testicular GSTs are Y_b sized and are involved in the synthesis of eicosanoids like LTC_4 and PGD_2.(Asian J Androl 2000 Dec; 2: 277-282)

Oxidative stress-elevated high gamma glutamyl transferase levels, and aging, intake of tropical food plants, migration and visual disability in Central Africans

·AIM:To investigate the independent pathogenic role of high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, sociodemographic data, dietary and environmental risk factors for visual disability (VD). ·METHODS:This was a case-control study, run in 200 black Congolese patients managed in Saint Joseph Hospital Ophthalmology Division from Kinshasa town. Logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of VD (n = 58) among sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, rural-urban migration, education levels, aging ≥60 years, intake of red Beans, Safou fruit and Taro leaves, lipid profile, residence, socioeconomic status, and GGT. ·RESULTS:After adjusting for confounding factors, we identified migration (OR=3.7 95% CI:1.2-11.3; P =0.023), low education level (OR=3.1 95% CI 1.1-8.5; P =0.026), no intake of Safou fruit (OR=34.2 95% CI 11.5-102; P < 0.0001), age ≥60 years (OR=2.5 95% CI 1.01-6.5; P = 0.049), and serum GGT ≥10U/L (OR=3.6 95% CI 1.3-9.6; P = 0.012) as the significant and independent determinants of VD. ·CONCLUSION:VD appears as a major public health problem in Central Africa to be prevented or delayed by control of migration, lifestyle changes, antioxidant supplements, appropriate diet, nutrition education, and blocking of oxidative stress.